Sustainability, public policies, socio-environmental, development, natural resources, cultures
Ecosystem Services and Disservices in Transformed Wetlands: Hydrology and Local Knowledge in Catazajá, Chiapas, Mexico
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Keywords

ecosystem services flow
environmental governance
perception of change
socioecohydrology
Usumacinta basin

How to Cite

Monzón Alvarado, C., Conde Compeán, I. E., Infante-Mata, D. M., & Salinas Rodríguez, S. (2026). Ecosystem Services and Disservices in Transformed Wetlands: Hydrology and Local Knowledge in Catazajá, Chiapas, Mexico. Society & Environment, 2026(29), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.31840/sya.v2026i29.3177

Abstract

Wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) that sustain life. However, human activity modifies ecosystem processes, such as hydrological connectivity and the natural range of flood-level variation, thereby altering the flow of ES. The Laguna Grande de Catazajá in Chiapas illustrates this dynamic, as the construction of dikes in 1993 transformed this temporary wetland into a permanent one. This research integrates a hydrological analysis to determine the magnitude and timing of connectivity loss, as well as local knowledge gathered through interviews (n = 60) and two participatory workshops (n = 28) across four communities to document change perception on ES and ecosystem disservices (EDS), the drivers and the effects of change on local livelihoods. More than 26 ES and EDS were identified and analyzed to understand the complex cascade of effects and interdependencies between human actions, ecosystem integrity, and the flow of ES and EDS. The findings highlight the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems to assess the scope of problems and improve sustainability planning.

https://doi.org/10.31840/sya.v2026i29.3177
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